Irish Students: Uk's International Students?

Irish students who wish to study in the UK have a range of options available to them. The Common Travel Area (CTA) agreement allows Irish and UK citizens to access all levels of education and training in each other's countries. Irish students in the UK are treated similarly to UK nationals and are eligible for 'home fees status', meaning they pay the same tuition fees as UK students. However, they are not entitled to the same maintenance support as home students. Irish students can also apply for scholarships and fellowships to fund their studies in the UK. On the other hand, the UK is not the only option for Irish students wishing to study abroad, with Irish universities also offering scholarships to attract international students.

Irish students' right to study in the UK

The United Kingdom (UK) is an attractive destination for international students, with its range of higher education institutions and programs. The UK has over 165 universities, including several top-ranked institutions, and is an island nation located off the coast of mainland Europe. The country boasts a strong research culture steeped in heritage and has representatives from England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales in its parliament, helping to forge a common British identity.

Ireland, similarly, has become a preferred study-abroad destination for international students. It has 28 universities and colleges for international students, and its education system is known for its high quality and low cost of living. The country also offers proximity to other European countries, making it a hub for over 1,000 multinational corporations. In the 2022-2023 academic year, 35,000 students from countries like the US, India, and China chose to study in Ireland, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.

If you're an Irish national living in the UK or Ireland, your right to study and access benefits and services will be preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. This reciprocal agreement ensures that Irish and UK nationals are treated similarly in terms of eligibility for fees, funding, and other services. For example, at the University of Portsmouth, Irish students are welcome, and specific entry requirements are outlined for undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

In terms of scholarships, both the UK and Ireland offer opportunities for international students. The UK Government and universities provide scholarships and fellowships for students from various countries, including India. Ireland, on the other hand, has scholarships like the Government of Ireland – International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES), which is open to students from non-EU/EEA countries for up to one year of study. Additionally, the Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) Scholarship, funded by the China Scholarship Council, offers opportunities for international students to study in Beijing.

Entry requirements for Irish students in the UK

Irish students applying to study in the UK are not considered international students. Irish nationals have the right to study in the UK and access benefits and services on a reciprocal basis for UK and Irish nationals under the Common Travel Area arrangement.

However, Irish students applying to UK universities may still need to meet certain entry requirements, which can vary depending on the course and institution. For undergraduate programmes, the University of Portsmouth accepts the Irish Leaving Certificate (Higher Level) with a minimum of 'H3 H3 H3 H3 H4'. The University of Edinburgh, on the other hand, requires an award of ILC with a combination of H1, H2, and H3 grades in specified subjects.

For postgraduate programmes, the University of Portsmouth recommends a good Master's degree and a submitted research proposal for PhD consideration. The University of Portsmouth also offers a pre-Master's programme for those who do not meet the standard postgraduate entry requirements.

Additionally, with the UK's departure from the EU in 2020, a new points-based immigration system has been introduced. Irish students may need to stay informed about how these changes affect their student status and any applicable visa requirements.

Postgraduate entry requirements for Irish students in the UK

Similarly, the University of Surrey outlines that Irish students can apply for their postgraduate Master's courses if they hold an Irish Bachelor's degree. For courses requiring a UK 2:1, a 2:1 honours degree must be achieved, while a 2:2 honours degree is necessary for courses requiring a UK 2:2. The University of Surrey also offers Pre-Masters Preparation Programmes for students who do not meet the entry requirements for postgraduate courses.

In general, Irish students applying for postgraduate study in the UK should ensure they meet the eligibility criteria for their chosen programme, which may include specific entry requirements set by the department. It is recommended to start planning early, especially for international students who may need to extend their visa. The application process typically involves submitting a written application, which may include a personal statement, academic transcripts, and written references.

It is worth noting that since the UK's departure from the EU in 2020, a new points-based immigration system has been introduced, which may impact students from the EU and EEA. Irish nationals living in the UK or Ireland, however, have their right to study preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement, and they generally need to meet the same criteria as UK nationals for eligibility for UK fees and funding.

Scholarships for Irish students in the UK

The United Kingdom is home to some of the world's most prestigious and top-ranked universities, attracting a diverse array of international students from all over the world every semester. The UK offers international students an enticing range of higher education institutions and programs.

Irish students who wish to study in the UK are subject to the Common Travel Area (CTA) agreement, which gives Irish and UK citizens the right to access all levels of education and training in each other's states. Irish students are also generally required to meet the same criteria as UK nationals to be eligible for UK fees and funding.

There are several scholarships, grants, and fellowships available for Irish students who wish to study in the UK. These include:

• The ERCIM Alain Bensoussan Fellowship Program, a partial funding international scholarship offered by the European Research Consortium for Informatics and Mathematics (ERCIM) for students pursuing Computer Science, Information Technology, and Applied Mathematics.
• Sir John Soane's Museum Foundation Traveling Fellowship, for students pursuing History of art, architecture, interior design, and the decorative arts.
• Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds MD Fellowships, a partial funding international scholarship offered by the Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds (BIF) for students studying Biomedicine research.
• NAC Arts Scholarship, a partial funding international scholarship offered by the National Art Council (NAC) for students pursuing Arts.
• Jeff Schell Fellowships, a partial funding international scholarship offered by the Bayer Foundation for students pursuing Agricultural Sciences.

Additionally, funding is available under the Student Grant Scheme for postgraduate study in Northern Ireland, and scholarships and fellowships for study abroad are awarded annually by foreign governments to Irish students engaged in or who have completed a third-level education course.

It is important to note that tuition fees and funding opportunities may vary depending on the university and course, and students are advised to check the specific requirements and eligibility criteria for their desired institutions and programs.

The UK's immigration system for Irish students

For Irish students wishing to study in the UK, it is important to note that they are generally still required to meet the same criteria as UK nationals when it comes to eligibility for fees and funding. This means that Irish students may be treated similarly to international students from other countries when it comes to tuition fees and financial aid. However, the specific requirements may vary depending on the university and course of choice. For example, the University of Portsmouth welcomes students from the Republic of Ireland and recommends a minimum of 'H3 H3 H3 H3 H4' in the Irish Leaving Certificate for admission onto an undergraduate course.

In terms of scholarships, both the UK and Ireland offer a range of opportunities for international students. The UK government and universities provide scholarships and fellowships for students from various countries, including India. Ireland, on the other hand, offers scholarships like the Government of Ireland – International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES), which is open to students from non-EU/EEA countries for up to one year of study. Other scholarships in Ireland include the Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) Scholarship and the Ireland Fellows programme, funded by the Irish government for students from developing countries.

When comparing the UK and Ireland as study destinations, it is worth noting that both countries have excellent education systems and are home to top-ranked universities. However, Ireland has a higher quality of life ranking than the UK, according to the United Nations 2022 report. Additionally, Ireland's work permit scheme and path to permanent residence are generally considered more accessible than the UK's Tier 2 visa scheme.

In summary, the UK's immigration system for Irish students has evolved since the UK's departure from the EU, and Irish students may now face different requirements and fees when studying in the UK. However, both countries continue to attract international students with their prestigious universities and unique opportunities. It is important for prospective students to research the specific requirements and opportunities offered by each country to make an informed decision.

Frequently asked questions